Andrew Jackson’s litigation practice poised for further growth following series of senior hires

LDR Team with Nick Dean and Hugh Smith (front)

ANDREW Jackson Solicitors LLP has expanded its commercial litigation and dispute resolution (LDR) practice with a series of senior appointments reflecting growing client demand, as long-standing partner Hugh Smith prepares to retire at the end of March 2026.

Led by Nick Dean, partner, and head of the LDR practice, the team has grown significantly over the past 12 months. Seven lawyers have joined, including three experienced partners, bringing the team to [INSERT NUMBER] and enabling the firm to support a growing client base, and increasing demand for dispute resolution advice.

The recent partner appointments of Rob Ripley, Caroline Hardcastle and Sarah Thomsen add further depth of expertise across commercial disputes, property litigation and contentious probate. Their appointments support the firm’s continued investment in its LDR practice whilst ensuring continuity of service for clients across a broad range of sectors.

Nick, who has led the litigation and dispute resolution team for [INSERT NUMBER] years, said:

“We have built a genuinely strong and collaborative LDR team with a wide range of complementary expertise, further strengthening the service we offer to clients across the region, and nationally.

“Our growth has been driven by the needs of our clients. As businesses face more complex commercial challenges, they require clear, practical and responsive advice. We have grown our team to ensure we continue to provide the high levels of service, expertise and accessibility our clients expect. We are well placed to support businesses as they navigate increasingly challenging commercial environments.”

Hugh Smith joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors in 1989, when the firm was known as Andrew M Jackson. During that time, Hugh has acted for clients across a range of sectors, most notably the food industry, where he represented businesses operating throughout Europe. He was also a founder member of England and Wales’s Food Law Group. An experienced mediator, Hugh has played a key role in developing the firm’s litigation practice and mentoring colleagues.

Hugh said: “It has been a privilege to spend the majority of my career at Andrew Jackson and to work with so many colleagues and clients over the years. I am proud to see the strength and depth of the team today and to see it continue to grow and succeed under Nick’s leadership.”

Nick added: “Hugh has made a significant contribution to the firm over nearly four decades. He helped establish the strong foundations on which we continue to build, and we wish him a very happy retirement.”

Recognised for several consecutive years by leading industry guide The Legal 500 as a top-tier commercial litigation practice, Andrew Jackson's LDR team has been praised for its deep expertise, strategic insight, and the calibre of its lawyers. Clients describe the service as “first class.”